Esa-Pekka Salonen believes his former tutor Henri Dutilleux has written nothing but masterpieces for the past three decades, and this premiere recording of "Correspondances" . . . does much to support his contention In "Correspondances" itself, soprano Barbara Hannigan sings texts . . . pertaining to the synaesthetic correspondences of the senses evoked by Dutilleux's orchestrations, reaching a sublime apogee soaring among the nighttime stars . . . the cello concerto "Tout un Monde Lointain" offers an absorbing, enigmatic chain of musical evocations . . .

Record Review /
Andy Gill,
Independent (London) / 08. February 2013

The exquisite sound-world of Henri Dutilleux is one of the most refined in all contemporary music, and is here caught to perfection by his former pupil, Esa-Pekka Salonen . . . [The quirky cello concerto is] here superbly played by Anssi Karttunen. Equally powerful is the title song cycle (2003), based on artists' letters, which Barbara Hannigan sings with bell-like purity. The biggest impact of all is made by Dutilleux's totally original "The Shadows of Time" (1997), with its piercing central section for three boys' voices setting words by Anne Frank. Orchestral colours are vivid but never overstated: a real late-20th-century masterpiece.

Three works by French composer Henri Dutilleux (born 1916) receive splendid performances by conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and soloists Barbara Hannigan (soprano) and Anssi Karttunen (cello). Dutilleux's command of color and potent drama are in compelling bloom . . .

The exquisite sound-world of Henri Dutilleux is one of the most refined in all contemporary music, and is here caught to perfection by his former pupil, Esa-Pekka Salonen. The quirky cello concerto . . . here superbly played by Anssi Karttunen. Equally powerful is the title song cycle (2003) . . . which Barbara Hannigan sings with bell-like purity. The biggest impact of all is made by Dutilleux's totally original "The Shadows of Time" (1997), with its piercing central section for three boys' voices setting words by Anne Frank. Orchestral colours are vivid but never overstated: a real late-20th-century masterpiece.

Both composers [Dutilleux/Salonen] are masters of orchestral color and refined poetic expression that has great emotional impact. Their music has a flow and structure that draws the listener in rather than relying on melody or drama for effect . . . ["Correspondances"]: It's a sensitive, lyrically expressive and moving work, which Barbara Hannigan sings superbly . . . [Cello Concerto]: Clearly, this is one of the most important cello concertos of the twentieth century and Anssi Karttunen is an excellent soloist . . . Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France deliver superb performances. This disc is an excellent introduction to one of the under-appreciated composers of the Twentieth Century.

Record Review /
Robert Moon,
Audiophile Audition / 24. March 2013

. . . Barbara Hannigan sings superbly . . . ["Tout un Monde Lointain¿"]: Clearly, this is one of the most important cello concertos of the twentieth century and Anssi Karttunen is an excellent soloist . . . Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France deliver superb performances. This disc is an excellent introduction to one of the under-appreciated composers of the Twentieth Century.

Record Review /
Robert Moon,
Audiophile Audition / 16. April 2013

. . . Barbara Hannigan has made the music very much her own and the nonagenarian composer has written a new, suitably stratospheric ending for her, as magical as one might have hoped . . . it is difficult to imagine a more sympathetic rendering of "Correspondances" . . . [the well-established cello concerto "Tout un monde lointain"]: a terrific rendition . . . With Salonen at the helm you'll hear more of the orchestral contribution . . .

Record Review /
David Gutman,
Gramophone online / 01. May 2013

. . . an oeuvre, not only of precise, masterly workmanship, but infused with emotional warmth and, beyond that, with profound passions . . . Barbara Hannigan is simply superb -- faultless pitching, crystal clear words, a shining tone and total empathy with the composer's message. In the Cello Concerto Anssi Karetunen responds to both the delicacy and the fury . . . Throughout, Salonen and the orchestra do the composer's music proud. Bravo to all for a quite exceptional disc.

. . . close vivid sonics. There is no better introduction to the composer's world.

Record Review /
David Gutman,
Gramophone (London) / 01. October 2013

. . . ["Correspondances"]: [Barbara Hannigan has made the music very much her own and Dutilleux] has written a new, suitably stratospheric ending for her, as magical as one might have hoped . . . Highly recommended . . . a wonderful 97th birthday present for a musician who has patiently extended older French traditions of civility and high polish into an age of aesthetic meltdown.